Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Just when you think you’re out of the winter, Mother Nature pulls you back in.
The Shawano area and much of the state was bracing Wednesday afternoon for the start of a spring snowstorm expected to bring as much as 14 inches of precipitation before it wraps up Thursday afternoon or evening.
Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency Wednesday in anticipation of “an extremely dangerous winter storm with associated heavy snowfall and damaging winds causing blizzard conditions.”
Citizens were being urged to avoid travel in affected areas Thursday.
Staff at the city’s Department of Public Works were keeping a close eye on the fluctuating forecasts, unsure of what to expect but ready to respond as need be.
“The crews are ready to roll,” said Eddie Sheppard, public works coordinator.
Sheppard said the plows would be out early Thursday morning but could move into action sooner if the snowfall calls for it. The first priority, he said, would be clearing the high-traffic routes for commuters.
The worst of the storm was expected to hit Thursday morning, with winds of 35 to 40 miles per hour expected.
“It’s going to be nasty,” Sheppard said.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said the storm system was expected to begin mostly as rain, then turn to freezing rain, sleet and snow, and eventually all snow by 8 a.m. Thursday.
The storm comes a little over a week after the city’s winter parking restrictions ended, which means vehicles can be parked on the street during the overnight hours, with the exception of Main Street from Elizabeth north to the bridge.
Sheppard said he didn’t anticipate calling for a snow emergency to put the restrictions back in place, mainly because of the difficulty of getting the word out on such short notice.
Some communities in the path of the storm have declared emergencies, however.
The city of Clintonville declared a snow emergency from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday, prohibiting any parking on city streets.
“This declaration is necessary to allow the public works department the ability to remove the heavy accumulation of snow that is expected and for safe passage of motorists in the community,” acting Mayor Lois Bressette said.
Shawano County Highway Commissioner Grant Bystol said all of the county’s road crews were on call, with staff monitoring road conditions, in case an earlier than expected start was necessary.
Otherwise, the county was prepared to have 42 trucks on state, county and township roads by 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Temperatures were also being monitored.
“We’re going to be on top of this right away, so it doesn’t turn to ice on us,” Bystol said.
Bystol said there were also come practical issues to consider when it comes to backroads and secondary gravel roads in the townships. With the recent thawing, a plow truck could find itself sunk in and stuck, he said.
Shawano County Chief Deputy George Lenzner said the best advice for drivers would be to just stay off the roads altogether.
Those who have to drive should make sure their windshield wipers are in working order and travel with an emergency kit and warm clothing, Lenzner said.
Delays and closings were beginning to filter in late Wednesday.
Menominee County reported government offices would open at noon instead of their regular start times due to the inclement weather and the dangerous driving conditions. College of Menominee Nation canceled Thursday classes.
Keshena Primary School cancelled a parent information night Wednesday in anticipation of the bad weather.
In Shawano County, ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano canceled its Get Fit program in Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab for Thursday.
UMC Church on the Hill cancelled its soup and a movie event for Wednesday night.